Dubai: The Group 1 Dubai Turf is by far the most international race on the Dubai World Cup card and several aspirants from around the world will be seeking to announce themselves as genuine contenders for the $6 million (Dh22 million) purse by delivering an attention-grabbing performance at Meydan racecourse on Thursday.
In 20 runnings, the Group 2 Al Rashidiya, the highlight of the 4th Carnival meeting, has been won on 10 occasions by overseas raiders who once again appear to hold strength in numbers.
A maximum field of 14 horses will contest the 1,800 metre turf event, which together with the Group 1 Jebel Hatta [March 5], form a reliable build-up to Dubai Turf, which is run over course and distance.
Formidable South African handler Mike do Kock has saddled the winner on seven occasions and he bids for an unprecedented fifth straight victory with a trio of contenders led by 2014 winner Mujaarib, and also featuring Grade 1 Cape Derby victory Ertijaal and recent Meydan scorer Forries Waltz.
Mujaarib, who De Kock describes a ‘happy horse’, made a promising seasonal debut when a close third in the Listed Singspiel Stakes at Meydan ten days ago while Forries Waltz showed plenty of courage to notch his fourth career win from five starts and first on the Meydan dirt.
While Ertijaal and Mujaarib are owned by Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, Forries Waltz runs in the joint ownership of Shaikh Mohammad Khalifa Al Maktoum, Chris Gerber and de Kock.
Meanwhile, a sextet of British and Irish-trained hopes add to the huge European influence in the race, which is a significant boost for the Carnival’s international appeal.
Former English footballer Mick Channon seeks his first 2016 Carnival victory and 11 overall with Bossy Guest, whose biggest win came in the Tattersalls Millions 3-Y-O Sprint at Newmarket last April.
Dubai regular David Simcock, who in 2013 sent out Trade Storm to win the Group 2 Zabeel Mile at Meydan relies on seasoned Group 1 performer and recent Lingfield scorer Calling Out, while Marco Botti saddles Moohaarib, a speedy son of top sprinter Oasis Dream.
William Muir’s progressive Big Baz has been making quite an impression on the Meydan gallops and is big run is expected from this talented Irish bred son of Pivotal.
Other overseas interests include the Michael Attwater-trained El Tren and Battle of Marathon, who can give give trainer John Ryan a first Dubai success in his second start at the course.
Newmarket-based Ryan is best remembered for saddling Silver Grecian to win the Group 2 Meydan Superlative Stakes in 2009.
Representing the home team are the Doug Watson-trained Limario, Salem Bin Ghadayer’s Earnshaw, Erwan Charpy’s Zamaam and the Ahmad Bin Harmash duo of Ennobled Friend and Tarbawi.
